When it comes time to make the difficult decision of choosing a granite headstone or granite tombstone after the death of a loved one in India, you want it to honour your loved one’s memory and be a lasting tribute to their life. Granite headstones typically stand out due to their great durability and elegance, making it a preferred material for many people throughout India. With so many varieties of granite headstones on the market today, it’s not always easy to find what you’re looking for. Here is a complete breakdown of everything you need to know about the granite headstone buying process: The type of granite stone, the finish of the granite stone, the type of engraving on the granite stone, the cost of the granite stone, and the ongoing care and maintenance of the granite stone. This information will allow you to make an educated decision about which granite headstone to purchase regardless of whether you live in Mumbai, Delhi or even a more rural part of India, where there may be different cultural beliefs and more specific to the buying market than a city such as Delhi or Mumbai. Finally, we will touch on some real-life examples of the granite headstone market, point out key similarities and differences between regions of India. So, let’s take a closer look, step by step!
Selecting the Appropriate Stone Type for Your Granite Grave Marker
The first thing to remember is that the type of stone will determine how long the marker will stay looking good. Granite is highly available and a very durable option for marker stone in India, owing to its ability to withstand extreme weather conditions across the wide range of climates in India such as very dry regions and high humidity on the coastal and southern regions of India. That said, it is essential that you choose a granite variety with good hardness and durability to provide you with a long-lasting memorial to your loved one.
A popular choice among many granite products produced in India is Indian Black Granite, which is produced from various Indian States such as Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, and is easily distinguished from other varieties of granite by its extremely dark, shiny black colour which represents both strength and eternity. Indian Black Granite is also an excellent option for markers placed in areas where there is heavy rain in the monsoon season as the black granite does not fade or lose its pattern to the effect of the moisture. If you want something lighter than Indian Black Granite, you may also think about using Absolute Black or Jet Black granite as both of these options provide a very sleek modern appearance, yet still exhibit durability.
Granite is available in a wide range of hues. In India, some of the most popular hues of granite are red, pink, and grey. For Instance, the mettalic Red Ruby from Rajasthan and the elegant grey from South India. In choosing the colour of your granite, ask yourself if the colour meets your family’s cultural preferences. For Many in Hinduism, Darker coloured stones represent solemnity, while lighter stones may fit in better with a minimalist design sensibility. Be sure to look for natural stone veining or inclusion on your granite samples this will add visual interest to your selection but not compromise the stones’ readability.
Another area where granite excels is in hardness. Granite has a very high ranking on the Mohs hardness scale (usually between six and seven) compared to marble and other softer stones. For those residing in India’s humid and tropical climate, it is always best to use the type of granite with the least amount of moisture absorption, as this prevents moss growth. Therefore, when purchasing granite, ensure that your supplier can provide you with certificates of authenticity (such as those from the Indian Granite Association). Remember that a granite product not only looks stunning when you first purchase it, but remains a lasting symbol of your family’s heritage, memory, and history for many years to come.
After selecting the stone type, you will want to select the proper type of finish for both the aesthetic appeal and tactile feel of your tombstone. The finish you choose will affect the way light reflects off the surface of the tombstone and the ease at which you can maintain it. In India, tombstones are often found in open cemeteries; therefore, it is necessary that the type of finish chosen has both aesthetic value as well as functional value.
A polished finish creates a very high level of reflection and creates a ‘mirror-like’ effect, which accentuates the natural beauty of the granite. This type of finish would be ideal if you are looking for a premium look, especially in urban areas such as Bangalore, where families desire a sense of elegance. However, because polished finishes are typically very smooth, fingerprints can be easily visible and require more regular maintenance. Conversely, a honed finish will produce a much more matte, velvety feel and is much less slippery than a polished finish.
If you’re going for a rustic look, consider using natural finishes. Natural finishes are similar to the stone in its raw form, with uneven surfaces which create a feeling of authenticity. However, be sure to consider whether or not the finish you select will stand up to dust storms and pollution in India. In cities like Delhi, where there are serious concerns regarding the quality of the air we breathe, a polished or honed stone may provide better protection against stains.
When selecting your finish, also keep in mind that polished stones usually cost more because they require more labour to produce. Therefore, it is important to speak with your supplier regarding customisation options. Many suppliers now have hybrid finishes to create a unique look. Ultimately, you should select a finish that best represents your vision and would provide a lasting tribute for your loved one.
Options for Engraving Your Granite Headstone
Engraving your granite headstone is another way to create a personal memorial for your loved one; it is an opportunity to communicate the person they were and the legacy they left behind. In Indian culture, many people view family lineage and spiritual symbols as being very important, and there are various options available for you to use to make your tombstone unique. You may choose to engrave a Sanskrit mantra on your tombstone or a more modern epigraph.
The fundamentals of laser engraving are as follows; it provides a marked difference in precision/depth and in engraved letter styles. This technique allows for engraving of ornamental fonts (i.e., “Om” symbols and “floral” type designs) from the traditional “Indian” culture and its heritage. Sandblasting provides an effect called “frosted”, which is suitable for large-size engravings and for overall high-priced detailed work.
What font styles and languages should I consider? Many prefer Devanagari script for Hindi and various regional languages so that all visitors can read what is on the memorial. English is still the most widely used font within metropolitan areas. You must consider legibility; a taller/bolder font will be less eroded over time. Use images/symbols to add emotion to the memorial; however, make sure they are of good quality so that they remain in focus.
With regard to placement, face-up is the norm for most engravings; however, the use of side or back panels allows for longer tributes. Always proofread all content; otherwise, a single error will be remembered long after you’re gone. Engraving suppliers in India provide many different styles and types of engraving.
Grave markers of differing heights will dramatically alter the pricing of your grave marker; therefore, as part of your budget consideration, use price as a guide for the size of the grave marker you need to purchase. For instance, a basic grave marker can cost as little as $1000 for a basic 2×2-foot grave marker, while custom grave markers can go for as high as $4000 or higher. A common price point is approximately $2500 for polished Indian Black Granite grave markers with standard engravings.
When purchasing granite grave markers, an accepted breakdown of costs would be: 40-50% for granite stone material, 20-30% for engraving and custom finishes, and the higher percentage represents potential costs for custom finishes and/or high-end installations. For example, if you wanted to purchase a 3×4-foot granite grave marker, your base granite stone price/marker would be $1500; polishing would cost you $500, if you desired a 200-word engraving it would cost you $300, and if you were going to install it, you would need to factor in an additional $200. Therefore, your total cost would be $2500. In metropolitan areas, you could reasonably budget an additional 20-30% for transportation and delivery. Remember to factor in taxes and GST, which will typically total approximately 18% of the total cost.
What factors determine the cost? Imported granite (Brazilian) costs about 50% more than domestically manufactured granite products from India. Accordingly, when purchasing granite for this type of application, it is advisable to check with several granite suppliers, especially at either of the two major Indian granite markets in Jaipur or Hyderabad, to obtain the best possible price. Also, always obtain a written estimate from your supplier that includes itemized cost details so that any misunderstandings regarding pricing will be avoided.
Is the higher-priced product worth it? If peace of mind for many years is your primary concern, then yes; it is a small investment when compared to the long-term value of granite tombstones.
Maintenance of a granite tombstone can prolong the life of the tombstone. Cleaning the granite tombstone is very simple and does not require a lot of effort but not performing routine maintenance will eventually cause the tombstone to deteriorate. Regular cleaning should consist of washing it with mild soap and water and avoiding products containing strong chemicals that can etch the ceramic surface.
During the monsoon season (June-July), it is important to seal the granite tombstone once a year to minimize water intrusion and to help repel stains and spills. In humid areas such as Kerala, check for cracks or the occurrence of moss growth regularly. In addition, if using a polished finish, always use a soft cloth, as this will help prevent scratching. If the engraved memorial letters fade over time, the average cost of re-engraving is ₹2,000-5,000.
It is important to have cleaning supplies nearby, and have a yearly checkup performed. This will help preserve the beauty of your tombstone and serve as a fitting tribute to your loved one. Determine what works best for your location’s climate and make adjustments as required for optimal results.
To summarise, here are some necessary considerations when selecting a granite memorial in India; select the type of granite based on finish, engraving option, cost and the long-term maintenance. With this knowledge, you are now able to make a well-reasoned decision, so that you leave behind a monument to your beloved that will remain durable and beautiful. If you still have questions regarding selections, consult with your personal local experts. A memorial for your loved one should be nothing but top quality.